SAD President Sukhbir Badal Accuses AAP of Deceiving Voters in Gujarat Elections
In a fiery address at a political rally in Gurdaspur, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday. He alleged that during the ongoing electioneering in Gujarat, the AAP is attempting to "deceive the people" by claiming credit for schemes that were originally initiated by the erstwhile SAD government in Punjab.
Allegations of Scheme Appropriation
Sukhbir Badal pointed to specific claims made by AAP leaders. "Yesterday, Bhagwant Mann claimed that the AAP established mandis after every 4 km in Punjab and would do the same in Gujarat. Today, his boss, Arvind Kejriwal, claimed that the AAP would give free power facilities to farmers on the same pattern as was done in Punjab by his party," he stated. He further criticized the AAP for announcing a scheme providing Rs 1,000 per month to women in Punjab, noting that this initiative is yet to be implemented on the ground.
The SAD chief asserted that such tactics would backfire. "Such deceit will not serve the AAP well in Gujarat or Punjab. Everyone has realised that this is a government which spends thousands of crores on advertisements, but does nothing on the ground," he declared, emphasizing public awareness of what he termed as hollow promises.
Criticism of AAP Government's Actions
Beyond the election rhetoric, Sukhbir Badal also castigated the AAP-led Punjab government for its handling of the Milkfed Verka milk powder issue. He described the action taken against a few junior officers as a "cover-up exercise" and demanded an independent probe into the rejection of milk powder supplied by Milkfed to the Indian army.
"Since chief minister Bhagwant Mann holds the cooperation portfolio, he cannot be expected to conduct an inquiry against himself. Only an independent probe can reveal the truth and ensure punishment to those who have tarnished the image of Punjab nationally," the senior leader argued, calling for transparency and accountability.
Concerns Over Wheat Procurement
Adding to his criticisms, Sukhbir Badal condemned the chief minister for inadequate preparations for the forthcoming wheat crop procurement. He highlighted that wheat is expected to start arriving at mandis in another 10 days, yet the government has failed to arrange gunny bags and lacks the requisite storage facilities, as admitted by the government itself. This, he warned, could lead to significant logistical and financial issues for farmers.
Rally and Campaign Context
The rally was part of the Akali Dal's ‘Punjab Bachao' campaign, aimed at addressing various state issues. Sukhbir Badal was accompanied by senior SAD leader Gurbachan Singh Babehali, along with other prominent figures such as Suchha Singh Langah, Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, Guriqbal Singh Mahal, and Rajanbir Ghumann, who were also present at the event.
This political confrontation underscores the intensifying rivalry between SAD and AAP, with Sukhbir Badal positioning his party as a defender of Punjab's interests against what he portrays as AAP's misleading electoral strategies.
